Carlton expects captain Chris Judd to play during the AFL preseason with no concerns whatsoever about his fitness. 28-year-old Judd underwent surgery on his right shoulder in December and is not expected to play in next Sunday’s preseason clashes against Adelaide and Port Adelaide, but will play after that. Blues coach Brett Ratten will try his younger players, including father-son draftee Dylan Buckley, but will control the amount of game time for senior players to ensure they are ready for the opening round against Richmond.
Meanwhile back at the Magpie camp, the situation goes from bad to worse for new coach Nathan Buckley with the season ending knee injury to Brent Macaffer.
With up to six senior Magpies injured or not available it will be a hard task fielding an experienced team for the season opener, but going by the youngsters’ performance last Saturday evening, coach Buckley has lots of young talent to choose from.
The new 2012 Adelaide Crows jumpers had become available, but there were only about 12 or 13 players that could fit into them. Crow’s coach Brenton Sanderson bulked up his players so much just after Christmas, that they did not fit into the club jumpers – Or was it too much Christmas cheer?
The GWS Giants have welcomed back their number one draft pick Jonathon Patton after coming home from Sweden where he went for treatment on his left knee. Patton will be sidelined until he is scheduled to resume full training in April and may possibly be available for selection in May.
